When applying to MBA programs abroad, several key factors must be considered to ensure that your application is complete and competitive. It is essential to thoroughly research the MBA programs you are interested in and carefully review the application requirements for each program. This will ensure that you can provide all of the necessary information and materials required to be considered for admission and also to be able to highlight your strengths and qualifications to the admissions committee.
Here are 13 things to consider for your MBA application abroad.
GMAT Score
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized test widely used by business schools to assess applicants' qualifications for their MBA programs. One of the critical components of the GMAT is the total score, which is a composite score calculated from the scores of the individual sections of the test (Quantitative, Verbal and Integrated Reasoning).
When universities review MBA applications, they often use the GMAT total score to sort and evaluate candidates. This means that applicants with higher total scores are generally considered to be stronger candidates than those with lower scores. In recent years, many top universities have begun to place more emphasis on the GMAT total score and have started to increase the average GMAT scores of the students they admit to their MBA programs. This has led to a situation where applicants with higher GMAT scores are more likely to be accepted into the most prestigious and selective MBA programs.
GMAT Quant Percentile
In addition to the overall GMAT total score, many universities also pay close attention to an applicant's performance on the Quantitative section of the test. This section tests a student's mathematical skills, including problem-solving, data analysis, and quantitative reasoning, and is designed to measure the ability to understand, interpret, and analyze numerical data, as well as the ability to evaluate arguments and make informed generalizations.
A strong performance on the Quant section of the GMAT can be significant when applying to MBA programs because it is often seen as an indicator of an applicant's analytical and problem-solving abilities. Many top business schools believe that students who excel in the Quant section of the GMAT are likely to have a solid analytical mindset. This is considered an essential trait for success in an MBA program.
The Quant percentile score is a way to judge a student's score about other students who have taken the test. Therefore, for MBA applicants, a high percentile score on the Quant section of the GMAT can be an important way to distinguish themselves from other applicants and showcase their analytical abilities.
Admission Essays
Admission essays are essential to many MBA application processes and can play a critical role in determining whether an applicant is accepted into a program. Many universities place significant weight on the essay portion of the application, and some of the top business schools are believed to give as much as 15% weight to the essays.
Admission essays allow applicants to showcase their writing abilities, personality, and unique qualifications and characteristics. Essays allow applicants to convey their professional and personal goals, highlight their relevant experiences and achievements, and explain why they are interested in the program they are applying to and why they are a good fit for the school.
Admission Interviews
Admission interviews are an important part of the application process for many top MBA programs. While the interviews are typically conducted after the initial application has been reviewed, they serve as an important way for the admissions committee to learn more about an applicant, validate the information provided in the application, and assess the applicant's fit for the program.
For MBA applicants, the interview is an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the program, their motivation and qualifications, and to express their enthusiasm for the chance to join the university. It is also an opportunity to ask questions and better understand the university and the program.
Letter of Recommendation
Recommendation letters, also known as letters of recommendation or LORs, are important components of a business school application. They provide insight into an applicant's character, work ethic, and potential as a student and professional. The letters are typically written by professors, supervisors, or others who have worked with or know the applicant well.
It's not only the letter's content that matters, but also the person who writes it. The more impressive and credible the recommender is, the more weight their letter will carry. For example, a letter from the CEO of a company will carry more weight than one from a co-worker.
It's important to provide your recommenders with enough context and information about your MBA application and the business school you are applying to. It will help them write a letter highlighting your best characteristics and making you stand out.
Undergraduate College
Undergraduate college is an important factor that business schools consider when evaluating applicants. Admissions committees know that different colleges have different academic rigour and prestige levels. Therefore, applicants from more prestigious institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) or the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) in the case of India, may be viewed more favourably than those from less well-known colleges.
Business schools understand that many factors contribute to an applicant's choice of undergraduate institution and that not all students have equal opportunities. They will evaluate your application as a whole, considering your academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities, among other things. However, it's important to note that even if applicants come from a less prestigious college, they will still be considered for admission.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA, also known as percentage or score, is an essential factor that business schools consider when evaluating applicants. It serves as an indicator of an applicant's academic performance and ability to handle rigorous coursework. Admissions committees use an applicant's GPA to compare them to other applicants and determine their likelihood of success in a graduate business program.
A good overall score in graduation would further add value to the MBA application. A consistent record of academic performance throughout the undergraduate degree is more favourable than a high GPA in a few semesters and a lower GPA in others.
Undergraduate Major
Business schools also take MBA applicants' undergraduate majors into account. However, this aspect has less impact than others, like GPA and work experience.
For business schools, the undergraduate major indicates the applicant's background, interests, and skills. It can be used to assess the applicant's fit with the program and the school's culture. For example, suppose an applicant's undergraduate major is in business or a related field. In that case, it may indicate that the applicant has a strong foundation in business concepts and is well-suited for a graduate business program. On the other hand, if the applicant's undergraduate major is in a field such as engineering, it may indicate that the applicant has a different set of skills and experiences that may be valuable in a business program.
Extracurricular
Extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and volunteer work, can play an essential role in a business school application. These activities demonstrate an applicant's interests, leadership skills, and commitment to causes outside their academic and professional responsibilities. They can also provide insight into the applicant's personality and character, an essential consideration for business schools.
It's important to note that Extracurricular activities don't have to be limited to just games; the University Admissions committee also look for a range of other activities such as debates, drama, and other forms of artistic expression, like photography, painting etc. These activities demonstrate an applicant's creativity and ability to think outside the box, which can be valuable assets in a business school setting.
Employment History
Business schools consider employers and the sector when assessing applications. The goals and ideals of the business school and its programs should be understood by the admissions committee and the context in which the applicant acquired their work experience.
Working for a well-known, large multinational corporation (MNC) can be viewed more favourably than working for a small, unknown firm. MNCs are often considered more prestigious and have more resources to provide employees with challenging and meaningful work experiences. Admissions committees may also view applicants from well-known companies more favourably because these companies are more likely to have strict hiring and promotion standards, which is a sign of the applicant's qualifications and potential.
Duration of Work experience
Many business schools require applicants to have a certain amount of work experience before being considered for admission. This requirement varies depending on the school, but it is often in the range of 2 to 4 years. The idea behind this requirement is that business schools believe that students who have already spent some time working in a professional setting will be better prepared to take full advantage of the opportunities and challenges of a graduate business program.
International Experience
International experience can be highly beneficial to MBA applicants in several ways. Firstly, it demonstrates an applicant's cultural competence and ability to navigate different business environments and cultural norms. Businesses today operate in a globalized economy, and effectively communicating and working with people from diverse backgrounds is becoming an essential skill for managers and leaders.
Secondly, International experience also shows the applicant's willingness to step out of their comfort zone and take on new challenges, which is crucial for success in a graduate business program. The admissions committee view this as an indicator of leadership potential and a willingness to take risks and adapt to new situations.
Language
Being multilingual can be a valuable asset when applying for an MBA program abroad. Knowing multiple languages can demonstrate a candidate's ability to navigate and succeed in a global business environment. Fluency in languages spoken in countries where the business operates or is expanding can be advantageous. It can show that the candidate can communicate and work effectively with colleagues and clients from those regions. Additionally, knowledge of the language and culture of the country where the MBA program is located can help the candidate adjust to studying and living abroad more efficiently, which can be an essential factor for a successful MBA experience.
